Cobalt catalysts and their use for hydrosilylation and dehydrogenative silylation

ABSTRACT

Disclosed herein are cobalt complexes containing terpyridine ligands and chelating alkene-modified silyl ligands, and their use as hydrosilylation and/or dehydrogenative silylation and crosslinking catalysts. The cobalt complexes also exhibit adequate air stability for handling and manipulation.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/906,204 entitled “Cobalt Catalysts and Their Use for Hydrosilylation and Dehydrogenative Silylation,” filed on Nov. 19, 2013, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to transition metal-containing compounds, more specifically to cobalt complexes containing terpyridine ligands and their use as catalysts for hydrosilylation and dehydrogenative silylation reactions.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Hydrosilylation chemistry, typically involving a reaction between a silyl hydride and an unsaturated organic group, is the basis for synthetic routes to produce commercial silicone-based products like silicone surfactants, silicone fluids and silanes as well as many addition cured products like sealants, adhesives, and coatings. Typical hydrosilylation reactions use precious metal catalysts to catalyze the addition of a silyl-hydride (Si—H) to an unsaturated group, such as an olefin. In these reactions, the resulting product is a silyl-substituted, saturated compound. In most of these cases, the addition of the silyl group proceeds in an anti-Markovnikov manner, i.e., to the less substituted carbon atom of the unsaturated group. Most precious metal catalyzed hydrosilylations only work well with terminally unsaturated olefins, as internal unsaturations are generally non-reactive or only poorly reactive. There are currently only limited commercially viable methods for the general silylation of olefins where after the addition of the Si—H group there still remains an unsaturation in the original substrate. This reaction, termed a dehydrogenative silylation, has potential uses in the synthesis of new silicone materials, such as silanes, silicone fluids, crosslinked silicone elastomers, and silylated or silicone-crosslinked organic polymers such as polyolefins, unsaturated polyesters, and the like.

Various precious metal complex catalysts are known in the art including a platinum complex containing unsaturated siloxanes as ligands, which is known in the art as Karstedt's catalyst. Other platinum-based hydrosilylation catalysts include Ashby's catalyst, Lamoreaux's catalyst, and Speier's catalyst.

Other metal-based catalysts have been explored including, for example, rhodium complexes, iridium complexes, palladium complexes and even first-row transition metal-based catalysts to promote limited hydrosilylations and dehydrogenative silylations.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,955,555 discloses the synthesis of certain iron or cobalt pyridine di-imine (PDI) complexes bearing anionic ligands. The preferred anions are chloride, bromide, and tetrafluoroborate. U.S. Pat. No. 7,442,819 discloses iron and cobalt complexes of certain tricyclic ligands containing a “pyridine” ring substituted with two imino groups. U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,461,994, 6,657,026 and 7,148,304 disclose several catalyst systems containing certain transitional metal-PDI complexes. U.S. Pat. No. 7,053,020 discloses a catalyst system containing, inter alia, one or more bisarylimino pyridine iron or cobalt catalyst. Chirik et al describe bisarylimino pyridine cobalt complexes with anionic ligands (Inorg. Chem. 2010, 49, 6110 and JACS. 2010, 132, 1676.) However, the catalysts and catalyst systems disclosed in these references are described for use in the context of olefin hydrogenation, polymerizations and/or oligomerisations, not in the context of dehydrogenative silylation reactions. U.S. Pat. No. 8,236,915 discloses hydrosilylation using Mn, Fe, Co, and Ni catalysts containing pyridinediimine ligands. However, these catalysts are sensitive to air and must be handled in a glove box.

There is a continuing need in the silylation industry for non-precious metal-based catalysts that are effective for efficiently and selectively catalyzing hydrosilylation and/or dehydrogenative silylations. There is also a need for metal-based catalysts that are air stable. Many metal-based catalysts, including those based on iron or cobalt, are not stable under atmospheric conditions. This makes such materials generally unsuitable for application on a production or industrial scale.

Further, many industrially important homogeneous metal catalysts suffer from the drawback that following consumption of the first charge of substrates, the catalytically active metal is lost to aggregation and agglomeration and its beneficial catalytic properties are substantially diminished via colloid formation or precipitation. This is a costly loss, especially for noble metals such as Pt. Heterogeneous catalysts are used to alleviate this problem but have limited use for polymers and also have lower activity than homogeneous counterparts. For example, the two primary homogeneous catalysts for hydrosilylation, Speier's and Karstedt's, often lose activity after catalyzing a charge of olefin and silyl- or siloxyhydride reaction. If a single charge of the homogeneous catalyst could be re-used for multiple charges of substrates, then catalyst and process cost advantages would be significant.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides cobalt complexes. The cobalt complexes can be used as catalysts for hydrosilylation and/or dehydrogenative silylation processes. Additionally, the present cobalt complexes exhibit air-stability that allows handling under atmospheric conditions.

In one aspect, the present invention provides a cobalt complex of the formula:

wherein each occurrence of R¹-R¹⁸ is independently hydrogen, a C1-C18 alkyl, a C1-C18 substituted alkyl, a C5-C18 cycloalkyl, a C5-C18 substituted cycloalkyl, a C6-C18 aryl, a substituted C6-C18 aryl, or an inert substituent wherein one or more of R¹-R¹⁸, other than hydrogen, optionally contain at least one heteroatom; optionally any two of R¹-R¹¹ vicinal to one another, R⁴-R⁵, and/or R⁷-R⁸ taken together may form a ring being a substituted or unsubstituted, saturated, or unsaturated cyclic structure; and Z is O, NR¹⁹, or CR²⁰R²¹, wherein R¹⁹, R²⁰, and R²¹ is independently hydrogen, a C1-C18 alkyl, C1-C18 substituted alkyl, a C6-C18 aryl, a substituted C6-C18 aryl group, an alkaryl group, an aralkyl group, where one or more of R¹⁹, R²⁰, and R²¹ optionally contains at least one heteroatom.

In one embodiment, wherein Z is O.

In one embodiment, R¹² and R¹³ is independently chosen from a C1-C8 linear, branched or cyclic alkyl or a C6-C18 aryl.

In one embodiment, R¹² and R¹³ are methyl, and R¹⁴-R¹⁸ are hydrogen.

In one embodiment, R¹² and R¹³ are phenyl, and R¹⁴-R¹⁸ are hydrogen.

In one embodiment, complex is of the formula:

In one embodiment, the complex is of the formula:

In one embodiment, the complex is immobilized on a support. In one embodiment, the support is chosen from carbon, silica, alumina, MgCl₂, zirconia, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, poly(aminostyrene), sulfonated polystyrene, or a combination of two or more thereof.

In one embodiment, at least one of R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵, R⁶, R⁷, R⁸, R⁹, R¹⁰, and/or R¹¹ comprises a functional group that covalently bonds with the support.

In one aspect, the present invention provides a process for producing a silylated product comprising reacting a mixture comprising (a) an unsaturated compound containing at least one unsaturated functional group, (b) a silyl hydride containing at least one silylhydride functional group, and (c) a catalyst, optionally in the presence of a solvent, in order to produce the silylated product, wherein the catalyst is a complex of the Formula (I) or an adduct thereof:

wherein each occurrence of R¹-R¹⁸ is independently hydrogen, a C1-C18 alkyl, a C1-C18 substituted alkyl, a C5-C18 cycloalkyl, a C5-C18 substituted cycloalkyl, a C6-C18 aryl, a substituted C6-C18 aryl, or an inert substituent wherein one or more of R¹-R¹⁸, other than hydrogen, optionally contain at least one heteroatom; optionally any two of R¹-R¹¹ vicinal to one another, R⁴-R⁵, and/or R⁷-R⁸ taken together may form a ring being a substituted or unsubstituted, saturated, or unsaturated cyclic structure; and Z is O, NR¹⁹, or CR²⁰R²¹, wherein R¹⁹, R²⁰, and R²¹ is independently hydrogen, a C1-C18 alkyl, C1-C18 substituted alkyl, a C6-C18 aryl, a substituted C6-C18 aryl group, an alkaryl group, an aralkyl group, where one or more of R¹⁹, R²⁰, and R²¹ optionally contains at least one heteroatom.

In one embodiment, Z is O.

In one embodiment, R¹² and R¹³ is independently chosen from a C1-C8 linear branched or cyclic alkyl or a C6-C18 aryl.

In one embodiment, R¹² and R¹³ are methyl, and R¹⁴-R¹⁸ are hydrogen.

In one embodiment, R¹² and R¹³ are phenyl, and R¹⁴-R¹⁸ are hydrogen.

In one embodiment, the complex is of the formula:

In one embodiment, the complex is of the formula:

In one embodiment, the process further comprises removing the complex and/or derivatives thereof from the silylated product.

In one embodiment, the silylated product comprises a hydrosilylation product.

In one embodiment, the silylated product comprises a dehydrogenatively silylated product.

In one embodiment, the silylated product comprises a mixture of (d) a hydrosilylation product, and (e) a dehydrogenative silylated product.

In one embodiment, the hydrosilylated product comprises 50.1% to 99.9% of the silylation product.

In one embodiment, the dehydrogenatively silylated product comprises a silane or siloxane containing a silyl group and an unsaturated group, and the unsaturated group is in the alpha or beta position relative to the silyl group.

In one embodiment, the unsaturated compound (a) is chosen from a linear or branched olefin; a cycloalkene; an alkyl-capped allyl polyether; a vinyl-functional alkyl-capped allyl or methallyl polyether; an alkyl-capped terminally unsaturated amine; an alkyne; terminally unsaturated acrylate or methacrylate; unsaturated aryl ether; vinyl-functionalized polymer or oligomer; vinyl-functionalized and/or terminally-unsaturated alkenyl-functional silane; and/or silicone; an unsaturated fatty acid; an unsaturated ester; or combinations of two or more thereof.

In one embodiment, the complex is immobilized on a support. In one embodiment, the reaction is conducted under an inert atmosphere.

In one embodiment, the reaction is conducted in the presence of a solvent selected from the group consisting of hydrocarbons, halogenated hydrocarbons, ethers, and combinations thereof.

In one embodiment, the reaction is carried out at a temperature of −10° C. to 300° C.

In one aspect, the present invention provides a process for the hydrosilylation of a composition comprising hydrosilylation reactants (a) an unsaturated compound containing at least one unsaturated functional group, (b) a silyl hydride containing at least one silylhydride functional group, the process comprising contacting the composition comprising the hydrosilylation reactants with a complex of the formula:

wherein each occurrence of R¹-R¹⁸ is independently hydrogen, a C1-C18 alkyl, a C1-C18 substituted alkyl, a C5-C18 cycloalkyl, a C5-C18 substituted cycloalkyl, a C6-C18 aryl, a substituted C6-C18 aryl, or an inert substituent wherein one or more of R¹-R¹⁸, other than hydrogen, optionally contain at least one heteroatom; optionally any two of R¹-R¹¹ vicinal to one another, R⁴-R⁵, and/or R⁷-R⁸ taken together may form a ring being a substituted or unsubstituted, saturated, or unsaturated cyclic structure; and Z is O, NR¹⁹, or CR²⁰R²¹, wherein R¹⁹, R²⁰, and R²¹ is independently hydrogen, a C1-C18 alkyl, C1-C18 substituted alkyl, a C6-C18 aryl, a substituted C6-C18 aryl group, an alkaryl group, an aralkyl group, where one or more of R¹⁹, R²⁰, and R²¹ optionally contains at least one heteroatom.

In one embodiment, Z is O, and R¹² and R¹³ are independently chosen from a C1-C8 linear, branched or cyclic alkyl and a C6-C18 aryl.

In one embodiment, Z is O, and R¹² and R¹³ are independently chosen from methyl or phenyl.

In one embodiment, the hydrosilylation reactants comprise a silane or silicone hydride fluid and an unsaturated substrate.

In one embodiment, the hydride fluid is chosen from one or a combination of compounds of the formulas: R²² _(m)SiH_(p)X_(4-(m+p)); M_(a)M^(H) _(b)D_(c)D^(H) _(d)T_(e)T^(H) _(f)Q_(g); R²⁸ ₃Si(CHR²⁸)_(x)SiOSiR²⁸ ₂(OSiR²⁸ ₂)_(y)OSiR²⁸ ₂H; R²⁸ ₃Si(CHR²⁸)_(x)SiR²⁸ ₂H or a combination of two or more thereof, where each R²² is independently a substituted or unsubstituted aliphatic or aromatic hydrocarbyl group; X is halogen, alkoxy, acyloxy, or silazane; m is 0-3; p is 1-3 with the proviso that m+p≦4 and the tetravalency of silicon is preserved; M represents a monofunctional group of formula R²³ ₃SiO_(1/2); a D represents a difunctional group of formula R²³ ₂SiO_(2/2); a T represents a trifunctional group of formula R²³SiO_(3/2); Q represents a tetrafunctional group of formula SiO_(4/2); M^(H) represents HR²³ ₂SiO_(1/2), T^(H) represents HSiO_(3/2), and D^(H) group represents R²³HSiO_(2/2); each occurrence of R²³ is independently a C₁-C₁₈ alkyl, a C₁-C₁₈ substituted alkyl, a C₆-C₁₄ aryl or substituted aryl, wherein R²³ optionally contains at least one heteroatom; subscripts a, b, c, d, e, f, and g are such that the molar mass of the compound is between 100 and 100,000 Dalton; each occurrence of R²⁸ is independently C1-C18 alkyl, C1-C18 substituted alkyl, C6-C14 aryl or substituted aryl; x is 1-8, and y is 0-10.

In one embodiment, the unsaturated substrate is chosen from an unsaturated polyether; a vinyl functionalized alkyl capped allyl or methylallyl polyether; a terminally unsaturated amine; an alkyne; a C2-C45 olefin; an unsaturated epoxide; a terminally unsaturated acrylate or methyl acrylate; an unsaturated aryl ether; an unsaturated aromatic hydrocarbon; unsaturated cycloalkane; a vinyl-functionalized polymer or oligomer; a vinyl-functionalized and/or terminally-unsaturated alkenyl-functional silane, and/or silicone, or a combination of two or more thereof.

In one embodiment, the reaction is conducted at a temperature of from about −10 to about 200° C.

In one embodiment, wherein the reaction is conducted in a subatmospheric pressure.

In one embodiment, the reaction is conducted in a supra-atmospheric pressure.

In one embodiment, the complex is immobilized on a support.

In one embodiment, the dehydrogenatively silylated product contains two or more terminal silyl groups derived from component (b).

In one aspect, the present invention provides a process for the hydrosilylation of a composition, the process comprising contacting the composition comprising the hydrosilylation reactants with a complex of the Formula (I). In one embodiment, the hydrosilylation reactants comprise (a) an unsaturated compound containing at least one unsaturated functional group, (b) a silyl hydride containing at least one silylhydride functional group, and (c) a catalyst of Formula I or an adduct thereof, optionally in the presence of a solvent. In one aspect, the present invention provides a process for producing a dehydrogenatively silylated product comprising reacting a mixture comprising (a) an unsaturated compound containing at least one unsaturated functional group, (b) a silyl hydride containing at least one silylhydride functional group, and (c) a catalyst, optionally in the presence of a solvent, in order to produce the dehydrogenatively silylated product, wherein the catalyst is a complex of the Formula (I) or an adduct thereof.

In one aspect, the present invention provides a composition produced by at least one of the processes. In one embodiment, the composition contains the catalyst or derivatives thereof. In one embodiment, the composition comprises at least one component selected from the group of silanes, silicone fluids, and crosslinked silicones, or a combination of two or more thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to cobalt complexes containing terpyridine ligands and their use as efficient hydrosilylation catalysts and/or dehydrogenative silylation and catalysts. In one embodiment of the invention, there is provided a complex of the Formula (I), as illustrated above, wherein Co can be in any valence or oxidation state (e.g., +1, +2, or +3) for use in a hydrosilylation and/or dehydrogenative silylation and crosslinking reactions. In particular, according to one embodiment of the invention, a class of cobalt terpyridine complexes has been found that are capable of hydrosilylation and/or dehydrogenative silylation reactions. The invention also addresses the advantage of reusing a single charge of catalyst for multiple batches of product, resulting in process efficiencies and lower costs.

As used herein, the term “alkyl” includes straight, branched and cyclic alkyl groups. Specific and non-limiting examples of alkyls include, but are not limited to, methyl, ethyl, propyl, isobutyl, and cyclohexyl.

As used herein, the term “substituted alkyl” includes an alkyl group that contains one or more substituent groups that are inert under the process conditions to which the compound containing these groups is subjected. The substituent groups also do not substantially or deleteriously interfere with the process.

As used herein, the term “aryl” refers to a non-limiting group of any aromatic hydrocarbon from which one hydrogen atom has been removed. An aryl may have one or more aromatic rings, which may be fused, connected by single bonds or other groups. Examples of suitable aryls include, but are not limited to, tolyl, xylyl, phenyl and naphthalenyl.

As used herein, the term “substituted aryl” refers to an aromatic group substituted as set forth in the above definition of “substituted alkyl.” Similar to an aryl, a substituted aryl may have one or more aromatic rings, which may be fused, connected by single bonds or other groups; however, when the substituted aryl has a heteroaromatic ring, the attachment can be through a heteroatom (such as nitrogen) of the heteroaromatic ring instead of a carbon. In one embodiment, the substituted aryl groups herein contain 1 to about 30 carbon atoms.

As used herein, the term “alkenyl” refers to any straight, branched, or cyclic alkenyl group containing one or more carbon-carbon double bonds, where the point of substitution can be either a carbon-carbon double bond or elsewhere in the group. Examples of suitable alkenyls include, but are not limited to, vinyl, propenyl, allyl, methallyl, ethylidenyl norbornyl, etc.

As used herein, the term “alkynyl” refers to any straight, branched, or cyclic alkynyl group containing one or more carbon-carbon triple bonds, where the point of substitution can be either at a carbon-carbon triple bond or elsewhere in the group.

As used herein, the term “unsaturated” refers to one or more double or triple bonds. In one embodiment, it refers to carbon-carbon double or triple bonds.

As used herein, the term “inert substituent” refers to a group other than hydrocarbyl or substituted hydrocarbyl, which is inert under the process conditions to which the compound containing the group is subjected. The inert substituents also do not substantially or deleteriously interfere with any process described herein that the compound in which they are present may take part in. Examples of inert substituents include, but are not limited to, halo (fluoro, chloro, bromo, and iodo), and ether such as —OR³⁰ wherein R³⁰ is hydrocarbyl or substituted hydrocarbyl.

As used herein, the term “hetero atoms” refers to any of the Group 13-17 elements except carbon, and can include, for example, oxygen, nitrogen, silicon, sulfur, phosphorus, fluorine, chlorine, bromine, and iodine.

As used herein, the term “olefin” refers to any aliphatic or aromatic hydrocarbon also containing one or more aliphatic carbon-carbon unsaturations. Such olefins may be linear, branched, or cyclic and may be substituted with heteroatoms as described above, with the proviso that the substituents do not interfere substantially or deleteriously with the course of the desired reaction to produce the dehydrogenatively silylated or hydrosilylated product.

Cobalt Complexes

The present invention provides, in one aspect, a cobalt complex, which can be used as a catalyst in hydrosilylation or dehydrogenative silylation reactions. The catalyst composition comprises a cobalt complex containing a terpyridine ligand and a chelating alkene-substituted silyl ligand coordinated to the cobalt, with the alkenyl substitution preferred at the beta-position relative to silicon. In one embodiment, the catalyst is a complex of the Formula (I) or an adduct thereof:

wherein each occurrence of R¹-R¹⁸ is independently hydrogen, a C1-C18 alkyl, a C1-C18 substituted alkyl, a C5-C18 cycloalkyl, a C5-C18 substituted cycloalkyl, a C6-C18 aryl, a substituted C6-C18 aryl, or an inert substituent; R¹-R¹⁸ optionally containing a heteroatom; optionally any two of R¹-R¹¹ vicinal to one another, R⁴-R⁵, and/or R⁷-R⁸ taken together may form a ring being a substituted or unsubstituted, saturated, or unsaturated cyclic structure; and Z is O, NR¹⁹ or CR²⁰R²¹, where R¹⁹, R²⁰, and R²¹ is independently hydrogen, a C1-C18 alkyl, C1-C18 substituted alkyl, a C6-C18 aryl, a substituted C6-C18 aryl group, an alkaryl group, an aralkyl group, R¹⁹, R²⁰, and R²¹ optionally contains at least one heteroatom. In the catalyst complex Co can be in any valence or oxidation state (e.g., +1, +2, or +3).

In one embodiment, one or more of R¹-R¹¹ may be a phenyl, alkyl substituted phenyl, hydroxyphenyl, anilines, naphthalene, etc. Non-limiting examples of a suitable substituted phenyl include phenyl groups comprising one or more C1-C10 alkyl substituents including, limited to, methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, etc. Examples of suitable alkyl phenyl groups include, but are not limited to tolyl, xylyl, naphthyl, etc. Still other examples of suitable substituted aryl groups include halo substituted aryl such as, for example, fluoro substituted aryl compounds. In another embodiment, R¹-R¹¹ may be chosen from a heterocyclic compound. Examples of suitable heterocyclic compounds include, but are not limited to, nitrogen-containing rings. A non-limiting example of suitable heterocyclic group is the pyrrolidino group.

In one embodiment, R¹² and R¹³ are independently chosen from a C1-C10 alkyl, or a C6-C18 aryl; Z is O; and R¹⁴-R¹⁸ are hydrogen. In one embodiment, R¹² and R¹³ are each methyl. In still another embodiment, R¹² and R¹³ are each phenyl.

In one embodiment, the cobalt complex is of the formula:

In one embodiment, the catalyst is generated by reacting a catalyst precursor prepared according to published procedure with the desired alkenyl-modified silane containing an SiH group in a solvent.

Catalysts can be prepared by any suitable method now known to a person skilled in the field or later discovered. For example, the catalysts can be prepared by reacting a terpyridine ligand with a metal complex such as Py₂Co(CH₂TMS)₂ in a solvent (such as pentane) with stirring at room temperature. As used herein, the abbreviation “Py” refers to pyridine, and the abbreviation “TMS” refers to trimethylsilyl.

The cobalt catalysts with the terpyridine and alkene-modified silyl ligands exhibit good stability to air at atmospheric conditions.

The present catalysts exhibit air stability that allows handling in the open atmosphere. Many iron or cobalt complexes known-previously to catalyze hydrosilylation or dehydrogenative silylation exhibit poor air stability which limits their industrial application. The present terpy-Co complexes with the chelating alkene-modified silyl ligand, however, have been found to overcome this major drawback.

In the reaction processes of the invention, the catalysts can be unsupported or immobilized on a support material, for example, carbon, silica, alumina, MgCl₂ or zirconia, or on a polymer or prepolymer, for example polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, poly(aminostyrene), or sulfonated polystyrene. The metal complexes can also be supported on dendrimers. In some embodiments, for the purposes of attaching the metal complexes of the invention to a support, it is desirable that at least one of R¹ to R¹¹ of the metal complexes, has a functional group that is effective to covalently bond to the support. Exemplary functional groups include but are not limited to vinyl, SH, COOH, NH₂ or OH group.

Catalyzed Reactions

In accordance with the present invention, the cobalt catalysts of Formula (I) can be used as a catalyst for a hydrosilylation process or a dehydrogenative silylation process. Each process generally comprises reacting (a) a silyl hydride compound with (b) an unsaturated compound having at least one unsaturated functional group.

The silyl hydride employed in the reactions is not particularly limited. It can be, for example, any compound chosen from hydrosilanes or hydrosiloxanes including those compounds of the formulas R²² _(m)SiH_(p)X_(4-(m+p)) or M_(a)M^(H) _(b)D_(c)D^(H) _(d)T_(e)T^(H) _(f)Q_(g), where each R²² is independently a substituted or unsubstituted aliphatic or aromatic hydrocarbyl group, X is alkoxy, acyloxy, or silazane, m is 0-3, p is 1-3, (with the proviso that m+p≦4, and the tetravalency of silicon is preserved) and M, D, T, and Q have their usual meaning in siloxane nomenclature. The subscripts a, b, c, d, e, f, and g are such that the molar mass of the siloxane-type reactant is between 100 and 100,000 Dalton. In one embodiment, an “M” group represents a monofunctional group of formula R²³ ₃SiO_(1/2), a “D” group represents a difunctional group of formula R²³ ₂SiO_(2/2), a “T” group represents a trifunctional group of formula R²³SiO_(3/2), and a “Q” group represents a tetrafunctional group of formula SiO_(4/2), an “M^(H)” group represents HR²³ ₂SiO_(1/2), a “T^(H)” represents HSiO_(3/2), and a “D^(H)” group represents R²³HSiO_(2/2). Each occurrence of R²³ is independently C1-C18 alkyl, C1-C18 substituted alkyl, C6-C14 aryl or substituted aryl, wherein R²³ optionally contains at least one heteroatom.

The instant invention also provides hydrosilylation with hydridosiloxanes comprising carbosiloxane linkages (for example, Si—CH₂—Si—O—SiH, Si—CH₂—CH₂—Si—O—SiH or Si-arylene-Si—O—SiH). Carbosiloxanes contain both the —Si-(hydrocarbylene)-Si- and —Si—O—Si— functionalities, where hydrocarbylene represents a substituted or unsubstituted, divalent alkylene, cycloalkylene or arylene group. The synthesis of carbosiloxanes is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,259,220; U.S. Pat. No. 7,326,761 and U.S. Pat. No. 7,507,775 all of which are incorporated herein in their entirety by reference. An exemplary formula for hydridosiloxanes with carbosiloxane linkages is R²⁸ ₃Si(CHR²⁸)_(x)SiOSiR²⁸ ₂(OSiR²⁸ ₂)_(y)OSiR²⁸ ₂H, wherein each occurrence of R²⁸ is independently a monovalent alkyl, cycloalkyl or aryl group such as C1-C18 alkyl, C1-C18 substituted alkyl, C6-C14 aryl or substituted aryl. No limiting examples of suitable groups include, for example, methyl, ethyl, cyclohexyl or phenyl. Additionally, R²⁸ independently may also be H. The subscript x has a value of 1-8, y has a value from zero to 10 and is preferably zero to 4. A specific example of a hydridocarbosiloxane is (CH₃)₃SiCH₂CH₂Si(CH₃)₂OSi(CH₃)₂H.

Hydridocarbosilanes are another class useful for the hydrosilylation and dehydrogenative silylation reactions of the instant invention. Hydridocarbosilanes have SiH bonds as well as linkages such as —Si—(CH₂)_(x)—Si— (wherein x is an integer greater than or equal to 1, and is preferably 1-8) and other Si-hydrocarbylene groups in the molecular formula, but no siloxane linkages. As defined above, hydrocarbylene refers to a substituted or unsubstituted divalent alkylene, cycloalkylene or arylene group. They can be linear, cyclic or branched and contain more than one SiH bond per molecule. The SiH bonds can be terminal or distributed internally along the Si-hydrocarbylene chains in the molecule. An exemplary formula for hydridocarbosilanes is R²⁸ ₃Si(CHR²⁸)_(x)SiR²⁸ ₂H, R²⁸ and x having the meanings defined above. Specific examples of hydridocarbosilanes are (CH₃)₃SiCH₂CH₂Si(CH₃)₂H, H(CH₃)₂SiCH₂CH₂Si(CH₃)₂H, (CH₃)₃SiC₆H₄Si(CH₃)₂H, (CH₃)₃SiC₆H₁₀Si(CH₃)₂H, wherein —C₆H₄— is the phenylene linkage and —C₆H₁₀— is the cyclohexylene linkage.

The unsaturated compound containing an unsaturated functional group employed in the hydrosilylation reaction is generally not limited and can be chosen from an unsaturated compound as desired for a particular purpose or intended application. The unsaturated compound can be a mono-unsaturated compound or it can comprise two or more unsaturated functional groups. In one embodiment, the unsaturated group can comprise an aliphatically unsaturated functional group. The unsaturated compound can be a mono-unsaturated compound or it can comprise two or more unsaturated functional groups. In one embodiment, the unsaturated group can be an aliphatically unsaturated functional group. Examples of suitable compounds containing an unsaturated group include, but are not limited to, unsaturated polyethers such as alkyl-capped allyl polyethers, vinyl functionalized alkyl capped allyl or methylallyl polyethers; terminally unsaturated amines; alkynes; C2-C45 olefins, in one embodiment alpha olefins; unsaturated epoxides such as allyl glycidyl ether and vinyl cyclohexene-oxide; terminally unsaturated acrylates or methyl acrylates; unsaturated aryl ethers; unsaturated aromatic hydrocarbons; unsaturated cycloalkanes such as trivinyl cyclohexane; vinyl-functionalized polymer or oligomer; and vinyl-functionalized and/or terminally-unsaturated alkenyl-silanes and/or silicones; unsaturated fatty acids; unsaturated fatty esters; or combinations of two or more thereof. Illustrative examples of such unsaturated substrates include, but are not limited to, ethylene, propylene, isobutylene, 1-hexene, 1-octene, 1-octadecene, styrene, alpha-methylstyrene, cyclopentene, norbornene, 1,5-hexadiene, norbornadiene, vinylcyclohexene, allyl alcohol, allyl-terminated polyethyleneglycol, allylacrylate, allyl methacrylate, allyl glycidyl ether, allyl-terminated isocyanate- or acrylate prepolymers, polybutadiene, allylamine, methallyl amine, acetylene, phenylacetylene, vinyl-pendent or vinyl-terminal polysiloxanes, vinylcyclosiloxanes, vinylsiloxane resins, vinyl-functional synthetic or natural minerals, etc.

Unsaturated polyethers suitable for the hydrosilylation reaction include polyoxyalkylenes having the general formula: R²⁴(OCH₂CH₂)_(z)(OCH₂CHR²⁶)_(w)—OR²⁵; and/or R²⁵O(CHR²⁶CH₂O)_(w)(CH₂CH₂O)_(z)—CR²⁷ ₂—C≡C—CR²⁷ ₂(OCH₂CH₂)_(z)(OCH₂CHR²⁶)_(w)R²⁵ wherein R²⁴ denotes an unsaturated organic group containing from 2 to 10 carbon atoms such as allyl, methylallyl, propargyl or 3-pentynyl. When the unsaturation is olefinic, it is desirably terminal to facilitate smooth hydrosilylation. However, when the unsaturation is a triple bond, it may be internal. R²⁵ is independently hydrogen, vinyl, allyl, methallyl, or a polyether capping group of from 1 to 8 carbon atoms such as the alkyl groups: CH₃, n-C₄H₉, t-C₄H₉ or i-C₈H₁₇, the acyl groups such as CH₃COO, t-C₄H₉COO, the beta-ketoester group such as CH₃C(O)CH₂C(O)O, or a trialkylsilyl group. R²⁶ and R²⁷ are monovalent hydrocarbon groups such as the C1-C20 alkyl groups, for example, methyl, ethyl, isopropyl, 2-ethylhexyl, dodecyl and stearyl, or the aryl groups, for example, phenyl and naphthyl, or the alkaryl groups, for example, benzyl, phenylethyl and nonylphenyl, or the cycloalkyl groups, for example, cyclohexyl and cyclooctyl. R²⁷ may also be hydrogen. Methyl is particularly suitable for the R²⁶ and R²⁷ groups. Each occurrence of z is 0 to 100 inclusive and each occurrence of w is 0 to 100 inclusive. In one embodiment, the values of z and w are 1 to 50 inclusive.

As indicated above, the present invention provides a process for producing a silylated product comprising reacting a mixture comprising (a) an unsaturated compound containing at least one unsaturated functional group, (b) a silyl hydride containing at least one silylhydride functional group, and (c) a catalyst, optionally in the presence of a solvent, in order to produce the silylated product, wherein the catalyst is a complex of the Formula (I) or an adduct thereof.

The manner or order in which the respective components for carrying out the process are added to one another is not particularly limited and can be chosen as desired. In one embodiment, the silylhydride can be added to a mixture containing the metal complex and the unsaturated olefin. In another embodiment, the unsaturated olefin can be added to a mixture containing the metal complex and the silylhydride. In still another embodiment, a mixture of silylhydride and unsaturated olefin can be added to a mixture of metal complex, silylhydride and unsaturated olefin. It will be appreciated that the first mixtures in the above embodiments may be heated or preliminarily reacted prior to addition of the remaining components.

Effective catalyst usage for silylation ranges from 0.001 mole percent to 10 mole percent based on the molar quantity of the alkene to be reacted. Preferred levels are from 0.005 to 1 mole percent. Reaction may be run at temperatures from about −10° C. up to 300° C., depending on the thermal stability of the alkene, silyl hydride and the specific pyridine di-imine complex. Temperatures in the range, 10-100° C., have been found to be effective for most reactions. Heating of reaction mixtures can be done using conventional methods as well as with microwave devices.

The catalyst composition can be provided for either the dehydrogenative silylation or hydrosilylation reactions in an amount sufficient to provide a desired metal concentration. In one embodiment, the concentration of the catalyst is about 5% (50000 ppm) or less based on the total weight of the reaction mixture; about 1% (10000 ppm) or less; 5000 ppm or less based on the total weight of the reaction mixture; about 1000 ppm or less; about 500 ppm or less based on the total weight of the reaction mixture; about 100 ppm or less; about 50 ppm or less based on the total weight of the reaction mixture; even about 10 ppm or less based on the total weight of the reaction mixture. In one embodiment, the concentration of the catalyst is from about 10 ppm to about 50000 ppm; about 100 ppm to about 10000 ppm; about 250 ppm to about 5000 ppm; even about 500 ppm to about 2500 ppm. In one embodiment, the concentration of the metal atom is from about 100 to about 1000 ppm based on the total weight of the reaction mixture. The concentration of the metal (e.g., cobalt) can be from about 1 ppm to about 5000 ppm; from about 5 ppm to about 2500 ppm; from about 10 ppm to about 1000 ppm, even from about 25 ppm to about 500 ppm. Here as elsewhere in the specification and claims, numerical values can be combined to form new and non-disclosed ranges.

The silylation reactions of this invention can be run at subatmospheric and supra-atmospheric pressures. Typically, pressures from about 1 atmosphere (0.1 MPa) to about 200 atmospheres (20 MPa), preferably to about 50 atmospheres (5.0 MPa), are suitable. Higher pressures are effective with volatile and/or less reactive alkenes which require confinement to enable high conversions.

In one embodiment, the catalysts are useful for dehydrogenative silylation of a composition containing a silyl hydride and a compound having at least one unsaturated group. The process includes contacting the composition with a metal complex of the catalyst, either supported or unsupported, to cause the silyl hydride to react with the compound having at least one unsaturated group to produce a dehydrogenative silylation product, which may contain the metal complex catalyst. The dehydrogenative silylation reaction can be conducted optionally in the presence of a solvent. If desired, when the dehydrogenative silylation reaction is completed, the metal complex can be removed from the reaction product by magnetic separation and/or filtration. These reactions may be performed neat, or diluted in an appropriate solvent. Typical solvents include benzene, toluene, diethyl ether, etc. It is preferred that the reaction is performed under an inert atmosphere.

Because the double bond of an alkene is preserved during the dehydrogenative silylation reaction employing these cobalt catalysts, a singly-unsaturated olefin may be used to crosslink silyl-hydride containing polymers. For example, a silyl-hydride polysiloxane, such as Momentive SL6020 Dl (MD₁₅D^(H) ₃₀M), may be reacted with 1-octene in the presence of the cobalt catalysts of this invention to produce a crosslinked, elastomeric material. A variety of new materials can be produced by this method by varying the hydride polymer and length of the olefin used for the crosslinking. Accordingly, the catalysts used in the process of the invention have utility in the preparation of useful silicone products, including, but not limited to, coatings, for example release coatings, room temperature vulcanizates, sealants, adhesives, products for agricultural and personal care applications, and silicone surfactants for stabilizing polyurethane foams.

The cobalt complexes can be used as a catalyst for various reactions including for example, the hydrosilylation of a composition containing a silyl hydride and a compound having at least one aliphatically unsaturated group. The hydrosilylation process includes contacting the composition with a cobalt complex of the Formula (I), either supported or unsupported, to cause the silyl hydride to react with the compound having at least one aliphatically unsaturated group to produce a hydrosilylation product. The hydrosilylation product may contain the components from the catalyst composition. The hydrosilylation reaction can be conducted optionally in the presence of a solvent, at subatmospheric or supra-atmospheric pressures and in batch or continuous processes. The hydrosilylation reaction can be conducted at temperatures of from about −10° C. to about 200° C. If desired, when the hydrosilylation reaction is completed, the catalyst composition can be removed from the reaction product by filtration.

It will be appreciated that the reaction of a silyl hydride with an unsaturated compound can provide a mixture of hydrosilylated and dehydrogenatively silylated products. In one embodiment, a majority of the products is the hydrosilylated product.

The cobalt complexes of the invention are, in embodiments, efficient and selective in catalyzing hydrosilylation reactions. For example, when the metal complexes of the invention are employed in the hydrosilylation of a silyl hydride and a compound containing an unsaturated group, the reaction products are essentially free of unreacted unsaturated compound and/or any dehydrogenative silylated products. In one embodiment, the reaction products do not contain the unreacted and its isomerization products. As used herein, “essentially free” is meant no more than 10 wt. %, no more than 5 wt. %, no more than 3 wt. %; even no more than 1 wt. % based on the total weight of the hydrosilylation product. “Essentially free of internal addition products” is meant that silicon is added to the terminal carbon.

The following examples are intended to illustrate, but in no way limit the scope of the present invention. All parts and percentages are by weight and all temperatures are in degrees Celsius unless explicitly stated otherwise. All the publications and the U.S. patents referred to in the application are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

EXAMPLES General Considerations

All air- and moisture-sensitive manipulations were carried out using standard Schlenk techniques or in an MBraun inert atmosphere dry box containing an atmosphere of purified nitrogen. Solvents for air- and moisture-sensitive manipulations were dried and deoxygenated by passing through solvent system columns and stored with 4 Å molecular sieves in the dry box. Benzene-d₆ was purchased from Cambridge Isotope Laboratories, dried over sodium and stored with 4 Å molecular sieves in the dry box. The 2,2′;6,′2″-terpyridine (terpy) ligand was obtained from Strem, dried under high vacuum for overnight and brought into the dry box. Liquid substrates were dried over LiAlH₄ or CaH₂ and degassed under high vacuum before use.

NMR spectra were acquired on a Varian INOVA-500 or Bruker-500 MHz spectrometer. The chemical shifts (6) of ¹H NMR spectra are given in parts per million and referenced to the solvent residual of benzene-d₆ (7.16 ppm).

Example 1 Synthesis of Allyloxydiphenylsilane

The synthesis of allyloxydiphenylsilane follows a modified literature procedure as described by Bergens, S. H.; Noheda, P.; Whelan, J.; Bosnich, B. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1992, 114, 2121-2128 and was carried out in air. A solution of allyl alcohol (2.9 g, 50 mmol) and triethylamine (5.1 g, 50 mmol) in Et₂O (250 mL) was cooled in an ice bath. With rapid stirring, chlorodiphenylsilane (11 g, 50 mmol) was added dropwise to the solution. Large quantities of a fluffy white precipitate (Et₃NHCl) were observed immediately. The mixture was warmed to room temperature and stirred for 1 h. The resulting solution was filtered through Celite and washed with Et₂O. The filtrate was concentrated and yielded a colorless oil, which upon distillation (84-85° C., 65 mm Torr) afforded the desired product as a colorless oil in 80% yield.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, benzene-d₆) δ 7.74-7.62 (m, 4H), 7.27-7.06 (m, 6H), 5.81 (ddt, J=17.1, 10.6, 4.6 Hz, 1H), 5.69 (s, 1H), 5.31 (dq, J=17.1, 1.8 Hz, 1H), 5.00 (dq, J=10.6, 1.8 Hz, 1H), 4.16 (dt, J=4.6, 1.8 Hz, 2H). ¹³C NMR (126 MHz, C₆D6) δ 136.73, 135.11, 134.31, 130.66, 128.39, 128.25, 128.06, 127.87, 114.77, 65.60.

Example 2 Synthesis of Allyloxydimethylsilane

Allyloxydimethylsilane was prepared in a manner similar to allyloxydiphenylsilane. A solution of allyl alcohol (2.9 g, 50 mmol) and triethylamine (5.1 g, 50 mmol) in Et₂O (250 mL) was cooled in an ice bath. While rapid stirring, the solution was added with chlorodimethylsilane (4.7 g, 50 mmol) dropwise. Large quantities of a fluffy white precipitate (Et₃NHCl) were observed immediately. The mixture was warmed to room temperature and stirred for 1 hour. The resulting solution was filtered through Celite and washed with Et₂O. The filtrate was concentrated to yield a colorless oil, which following factional distillation (79-83° C.), afforded the product as a colorless oil in 50% yield. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, chloroform-d) δ 5.93 (ddt, J=17.2, 10.1, 5.0 Hz, 1H), 5.26 (dq, J=17.2, 1.8 Hz, 1H), 5.12 (dq, J=10.4, 1.6 Hz, 1H), 4.68-4.55 (m, 1H), 4.18 (dt, J=5.0, 1.7 Hz, 2H), 0.23 (s, 3H), 0.23 (s, 3H)

Example 3 Synthesis of (terpy)Co(CH₂TMS)

The solution of py₂Co(CH₂TMS)₂ (390 mg, 1 mmol) in pentane (20 mL) were prepared following literature procedures and cooled to −35° C. Zhu, D.; Janssen, F. F. B. J.; Budzelaar, P. H. M. Organometallics 2010, 29, 1897. The terpyridine ligand (233 mg, 1 equiv) was dissolved in pentane and added into the solution containing the cobalt compound. An immediate color change from green into purple was observed. The solution was stirred at room temperature for 0.5 hours, followed by removal of the volatile components in vacuo. The residue was dissolved in pentane and filtered through Celite to yield (terpy)Co(CH₂TMS)₂. The solution of (terpy)Co(CH₂TMS)₂ in Et₂O was stirred for 4 hours to generate the mono-neosilyl complex and following recrystallization from toluene/pentane at −35° C. yielded a purple solid. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, benzene-d₆) δ 12.23 (d, J=6.2 Hz, 3H), 8.64 (t, J=7.6 Hz, 2H), 8.01 (t, J=6.8 Hz, 2H), 7.55 (d, J=8.2 Hz, 2H), 7.02 (d, J=7.5 Hz, 3H), 1.15 (s, 2H), −0.13 (d, J=5.0 Hz, 9H).

Example 4 Synthesis of (terpy)Co(Ph₂SiOC₃H₅)

In a glove box, to a purple solution of (terpy)Co(CH₂TMS) (38 mg, 0.1 mmol) in toluene was treated with allyloxydiphenylsilane (24 mg, 0.1 mmol) and stirred for 4 hours A purple solution was observed following the addition. The solution was filtered through Celite and concentrated under vacuum. The resulting solution was layered with pentane and stored at −35° C. for 2 days and yielded purple crystals identified as the desired product. ¹H NMR (300 MHz, benzene-d6) δ 7.85 (dd, J=7.7, 1.0 Hz, 1H), 7.75-7.57 (m, 3H), 7.34-6.74 (m, 11H), 6.67-6.60 (m, 3H), 6.54-6.43 (m, 2H), 6.36 (td, J=6.7, 1.5 Hz, 1H), 6.25 (td, J=6.5, 1.2 Hz, 1H), 5.47 (dd, J=10.2, 6.8 Hz, 1H) (s, 1H), 4.43 (t, J=9.2 Hz, 1H), 3.95-4.12 (m, 1H) 3.24-3.12 (m, 1H), 2.77 (d, J=12.5 Hz, 1H). 13C NMR (126 MHz, C₆D₆) δ 149.65, 148.17, 147.88, 145.19, 144.92, 144.51, 143.10, 139.71, 132.46, 132.11, 129.33, 128.0, 127.8, 127.6, 127.14, 126.68, 125.94, 125.54, 119.82, 119.62, 119.40, 119.01, 118.99, 117.81, 115.69, 74.94, 68.85, 56.32.

Example 5 Synthesis of (terpy)Co(Me₂SiOC₃H₅)

This compound was prepared in a manner similar to (terpy)Co(Ph₂SiOC₃H₅). In a glove box, a purple solution of (terpy)Co(CH₂TMS) (38 mg, 0.1 mmol) in pentane (1 mL) was treated with allyloxydimethylsilane (16 mg, 0.12 mmol) and stirred for 6 hours. A purple solution and precipitate formation were observed. The solid was isolated through filtration and purified by dissolving in toluene and passing through Celite. The resulting solution was layered with pentane and stored at −35° C. for 1 day and yielded purple crystals identified as the desired product. ¹H NMR (300 MHz, benzene-d₆) δ 7.97 (dd, J=8.0, 0.9 Hz, 1H), 7.86 (dd, J=7.8, 0.9 Hz, 1H) 7.75 (d, J=8.2 Hz, 1H), 7.68 (d, J=6.6 Hz, 1H), 7.64 (d, J=8.3, 1H), 7.25 (t, J=7.6 Hz, 2H), 7.02 (d, J=6.4 Hz, 1H), 6.93-6.75 (m, 2H), 5.27 (dd, J=10.5, 6.2 Hz, 1H), 4.25 (t, J=10.4 Hz, 1H), 3.89-3.72 (m, 1H), 3.39 (dd, J=9.2, 2.0 Hz, 1H), 2.96 (dd, J=12.4, 1.9 Hz, 1H), −0.37 (s, 3H), −1.11 (s, 3H).

General Procedure for Catalyst Screening of the Silylation 1-Octene with Triethoxsilane

In a glove box, 1-octene (112 mg, 1 mmol) and triethoxysilane (164 mg, 1 mmol) were weighed into a vial equipped with a stir bar. The solid cobalt precursor (2-3 mg, 0.5 mol %) was charged into a separate vial, and was then subsequently added into the substrates. The vial was sealed with a cap and stirred. After 1 hour, the reaction was quenched by exposure to air. The product mixture was filtered through silica gel and eluted with hexane. The product mixture was analyzed by GC prior to filtration. Subsequently, it was filtered through a plug of silica gel ((Fluka®, high-purity grade, pore size 60 Å, 40-63 μm particle size) typically used for flash chromatography and eluted with hexane. The resulting eluate was dried under vacuum and analyzed by ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy. The yields are based on conversion of 1-octene.

The reaction products are identified in the equation above. n-Octyltriethoxysilane, (Product A), is the anti-Markovnikov hydrosilylation product. 2-Triethoxysilyloctane, (Product B), is the Markovnikov hydrosilylation product. Product C is the allylic silane (2-Octenyltriethoxysilane) produced via dehydrogenative silylation. Octane was formed in equimolar amounts with Product C.

Example 6 Hydrosilylation of 1-octene with triethoxysilane using (terpy)Co(Ph₂SiOC₃H₅) in the glove box

In a glove box, 1-octene (112 mg, 1 mmol) and triethoxysilane (164 mg, 1 mmol) were weighed into a vial equipped with a stir bar. Purple (terpy)Co(Ph₂SiOC₃H₅) (2 mg, 0.5 mol %) was weighed into a separate vial, and was subsequently combined with the substrates. The vial was stirred at ambient temperature for 1 hour. The reaction was quenched by exposure to air. The product mixture was processed as described in the general procedure above. GC and ¹H NMR spectroscopy which showed >95% yield of anti-Markovnikov hydrosilylation product and about 2% dehydrogenative silylation product.

Example 7 Hydrosilylation of 1-octene with triethoxysilane using (terpy)Co(Me₂SiOC₃H₅) in the glove box

In a glove box, 1-octene (112 mg, 1 mmol) and triethoxysilane (164 mg, 1 mmol) were weighed into a vial equipped with a stir bar. Purple (terpy)Co(Me₂SiOC₃H₅) (2 mg, 0.5 mol %) was weighed into a separate vial, and was subsequently combined with the substrates. The contents of the vial were stirred at room temperature for 1 hour. The reaction was quenched by exposure to air. The product mixture was processed as described in the general procedure above. GC and ¹H NMR spectroscopy which showed 90% yield of anti-Markovnikov hydrosilylation product and 9% dehydrogenative silylation product.

Example 8 Bench-top hydrosilylation of 1-octene with triethoxysilane using (terpy)Co(Ph₂SiOC₃H₅) under Argon

A 50 mL Schlenk flask equipped with a stir bar was charged with 1-octene (112 mg, 1 mmol) and triethoxysilane (164 mg, 1 mmol) in the glove box. The flask was sealed with a glass stopper and transferred out of the box. (terpy)Co(Ph₂SiOC₃H₅) (2 mg, 0.5 mol %) was charged into a vial, brought out of the box and exposed to air for 10 minutes. The solid catalyst was added into the Schlenk flask under an Ar counterflow. The flask was sealed with a glass stopper and stirred for 1 hour. The reaction was quenched by exposure to air. The reaction mixture was analyzed by GC and ¹H NMR spectroscopy which established >98% yield of anti-Markovnikov hydrosilylation product and trace dehydrogenative silylation product.

Examples 9 and 10 Siloxane cross-linking using (terpy)Co(Ph₂SiOC₃H₅) and (terpy)Co(Me₂SiOC₃H₅) in the glove box under N₂

In a glove box, Momentive SL6100 (1 g) and Momentive SL6020 Dl (44 mg) were weighed into a vial equipped with a stir bar. The purple solid of (terpy)Co(Ph₂SiOC₃H₅) (5 mg, 1 mol %) (Example 9) or (terpy)Co(Me₂SiOC₃H₅) (4 mg, 1 mol %) (Example 10) was weighed into a separate vial, and was subsequently combined with the substrates. During 1 h, formation of gel was observed.

While the above description contains many specifics, these specifics should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, but merely as exemplifications of preferred embodiments thereof. Those skilled in the art will envision many other possible variations that are within the scope and spirit of the invention as defined by the claims appended hereto. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A complex of the formula:

wherein each occurrence of R¹-R¹⁸ is independently hydrogen, a C1-C18 alkyl, a C1-C18 substituted alkyl, a C5-C18 cycloalkyl, a C5-C18 substituted cycloalkyl, a C6-C18 aryl, a substituted C6-C18 aryl, or an inert substituent wherein one or more of R¹-R¹⁸, other than hydrogen, optionally contain at least one heteroatom; optionally any two of R¹-R¹¹ vicinal to one another, R⁴-R⁵, and/or R⁷-R⁸ taken together may form a ring being a substituted or unsubstituted, saturated, or unsaturated cyclic structure; and Z is O, NR¹⁹, or CR²⁰R²¹, wherein R¹⁹, R²⁰, and R²¹ is independently hydrogen, a C1-C18 alkyl, C1-C18 substituted alkyl, a C6-C18 aryl, a substituted C6-C18 aryl group, an alkaryl group, an aralkyl group, where one or more of R¹⁹, R²⁰, and R²¹ optionally contains at least one heteroatom.
 2. The complex of claim 1, wherein Z is O.
 3. The complex of claim 2, wherein R¹² and R¹³ is independently chosen from a C1-C8 linear, branched or cyclic alkyl or a C6-C18 aryl.
 4. The complex of claim 2, wherein R¹² and R¹³ are methyl, and R¹⁴-R¹⁸ are hydrogen.
 5. The complex of claim 2, wherein R¹² and R¹³ are phenyl, and R¹⁴-R¹⁸ are hydrogen.
 6. The complex of claim 1, wherein the complex is of the formula:


7. The complex of claim 1, wherein the complex is of the formula:


8. The complex of claim 1, wherein the complex is immobilized on a support.
 9. The complex of claim 8, wherein the support is chosen from carbon, silica, alumina, MgCl₂, zirconia, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, poly(aminostyrene), sulfonated polystyrene, or a combination of two or more thereof.
 10. The complex of claim 8, wherein at least one of R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵, R⁶, R⁷, R⁸, R⁹, R¹⁰, and/or R¹¹ comprises a functional group that covalently bonds with the support.
 11. A process for producing a silylated product comprising reacting a mixture comprising (a) an unsaturated compound containing at least one unsaturated functional group, (b) a silyl hydride containing at least one silylhydride functional group, and (c) a catalyst, optionally in the presence of a solvent, in order to produce the silylated product, wherein the catalyst is a complex of the Formula (I) or an adduct thereof:

wherein each occurrence of R¹-R¹⁸ is independently hydrogen, a C1-C18 alkyl, a C1-C18 substituted alkyl, a C5-C18 cycloalkyl, a C5-C18 substituted cycloalkyl, a C6-C18 aryl, a substituted C6-C18 aryl, or an inert substituent wherein one or more of R¹-R¹⁸, other than hydrogen, optionally contain at least one heteroatom; optionally any two of R¹-R¹¹ vicinal to one another, R⁴-R⁵, and/or R⁷-R⁸ taken together may form a ring being a substituted or unsubstituted, saturated, or unsaturated cyclic structure; and Z is O, NR¹⁹, or CR²⁰R²¹, wherein R¹⁹, R²⁰, and R²¹ is independently hydrogen, a C1-C18 alkyl, C1-C18 substituted alkyl, a C6-C18 aryl, a substituted C6-C18 aryl group, an alkaryl group, an aralkyl group, where one or more of R¹⁹, R²⁰, and R²¹ optionally contains at least one heteroatom.
 12. The process of claim 11, wherein Z is O.
 13. The process of claim 12, wherein R¹² and R¹³ is independently chosen from a C1-C8 linear branched or cyclic alkyl or a C6-C18 aryl.
 14. The process of claim 12, wherein R¹² and R¹³ are methyl, and R¹⁴-R¹⁸ are hydrogen.
 15. The process of claim 12, wherein R¹² and R¹³ are phenyl, and R¹⁴-R¹⁸ are hydrogen.
 16. The process of claim 11, wherein the complex is of the formula:


17. The process of claim 11, wherein the complex is of the formula:


18. The process of claim 11, further comprising removing the complex and/or derivatives thereof from the silylated product.
 19. The process of claim 11, wherein the silylated product comprises a hydrosilylation product.
 20. The process of claim 11, wherein the silylated product comprises a dehydrogenatively silylated product.
 21. The process of claim 11, wherein the silylated product comprises a mixture of (d) a hydrosilylation product, and (e) a dehydrogenative silylated product.
 22. The process of claim 21, wherein the hydrosilylated product comprises 50.1% to 99.9% of the silylation product.
 23. The process of claim 20, wherein the dehydrogenatively silylated product comprises a silane or siloxane containing a silyl group and an unsaturated group, and the unsaturated group is in the alpha or beta position relative to the silyl group.
 24. The process of claim 11, wherein the unsaturated compound (a) is chosen from a linear or branched olefin; a cycloalkene; an alkyl-capped allyl polyether; a vinyl-functional alkyl-capped allyl or methallyl polyether; an alkyl-capped terminally unsaturated amine; an alkyne; terminally unsaturated acrylate or methacrylate; unsaturated aryl ether; vinyl-functionalized polymer or oligomer; vinyl-functionalized and/or terminally-unsaturated alkenyl-functional silane; and/or silicone; an unsaturated fatty acid; an unsaturated ester; or combinations of two or more thereof.
 25. The process of claim 11, wherein the complex is immobilized on a support.
 26. The process of claim 11, wherein the reaction is conducted under an inert atmosphere.
 27. The process of claim 11, wherein the reaction is conducted in the presence of a solvent selected from the group consisting of hydrocarbons, halogenated hydrocarbons, ethers, and combinations thereof.
 28. The process of claim 11, wherein the reaction is carried out at a temperature of −10° C. to 300° C.
 29. A composition produced by the process of claim 11, wherein the composition contains the catalyst or derivatives thereof.
 30. The composition of claim 29 comprising at least one component selected from the group of silanes, silicone fluids, and crosslinked silicones, or a combination of two or more thereof.
 31. A process for the hydrosilylation of a composition comprising hydrosilylation reactants (a) an unsaturated compound containing at least one unsaturated functional group, (b) a silyl hydride containing at least one silylhydride functional group, the process comprising contacting the composition comprising the hydrosilylation reactants with a complex of the formula:

wherein each occurrence of R¹-R¹⁸ is independently hydrogen, a C1-C18 alkyl, a C1-C18 substituted alkyl, a C5-C18 cycloalkyl, a C5-C18 substituted cycloalkyl, a C6-C18 aryl, a substituted C6-C18 aryl, or an inert substituent wherein one or more of R¹-R¹⁸, other than hydrogen, optionally contain at least one heteroatom; optionally any two of R¹-R¹¹ vicinal to one another, R⁴-R⁵, and/or R⁷-R⁸ taken together may form a ring being a substituted or unsubstituted, saturated, or unsaturated cyclic structure; and Z is O, NR¹⁹, or CR²⁰R²¹, wherein R¹⁹, R²⁰, and R²¹ is independently hydrogen, a C1-C18 alkyl, C1-C18 substituted alkyl, a C6-C18 aryl, a substituted C6-C18 aryl group, an alkaryl group, an aralkyl group, where one or more of R¹⁹, R²⁰, and R²¹ optionally contains at least one heteroatom.
 32. The process of claim 31, wherein Z is O, and R¹² and R¹³ are independently chosen from a C1-C8 linear, branched or cyclic alkyl and a C6-C18 aryl.
 33. The process of claim 31, wherein Z is O, and R¹² and R¹³ are independently chosen from methyl or phenyl.
 34. The process according to claim 31, wherein the hydrosilylation reactants comprise a silane or silicone hydride fluid and an unsaturated substrate.
 35. The process according to claim 34, wherein the hydride fluid is chosen from one or a combination of compounds of the formulas: R²² _(m)SiH_(p)X_(4-(m+p)); M_(a)M^(H) _(b)D_(c)D^(H) _(d)T_(e)T^(H) _(f)Q_(g); R²⁸ ₃Si(CHR²⁸)_(x)SiOSiR²⁸ ₂(OSiR²⁸ ₂)_(y)OSiR²⁸ ₂H; R²⁸ ₃Si(CHR²⁸)_(x)SiR²⁸ ₂H or a combination of two or more thereof, where each R²² is independently a substituted or unsubstituted aliphatic or aromatic hydrocarbyl group; X is halogen, alkoxy, acyloxy, or silazane; m is 0-3; p is 1-3 with the proviso that m+p≦4 and the tetravalency of silicon is preserved; M represents a monofunctional group of formula R²³ ₃SiO_(1/2); a D represents a difunctional group of formula R²³ ₂SiO_(2/2); a T represents a trifunctional group of formula R²³SiO_(3/2); Q represents a tetrafunctional group of formula SiO_(4/2); M^(H) represents HR²³ ₂SiO_(1/2), T^(H) represents HSiO_(3/2), and D^(H) group represents R²³HSiO_(2/2); each occurrence of R²³ is independently a C₁-C₁₈ alkyl, a C₁-C₁₈ substituted alkyl, a C₆-C₁₄ aryl or substituted aryl, wherein R²³ optionally contains at least one heteroatom; subscripts a, b, c, d, e, f, and g are such that the molar mass of the compound is between 100 and 100,000 Dalton; each occurrence of R²⁸ is independently C1-C18 alkyl, C1-C18 substituted alkyl, C6-C14 aryl or substituted aryl; x is 1-8, and y is 0-10.
 36. The process according to claim 34, wherein the unsaturated substrate is chosen from an unsaturated polyether; a vinyl functionalized alkyl capped allyl or methylallyl polyether; a terminally unsaturated amine; an alkyne; a C2-C45 olefin; an unsaturated epoxide; a terminally unsaturated acrylate or methyl acrylate; an unsaturated aryl ether; an unsaturated aromatic hydrocarbon; unsaturated cycloalkane; a vinyl-functionalized polymer or oligomer; a vinyl-functionalized and/or terminally-unsaturated alkenyl-functional silane, and/or silicone, or a combination of two or more thereof.
 37. The process of claim 31, wherein the reaction is conducted at a temperature of from about −10 to about 200° C.
 38. The process of claim 31, wherein the reaction is conducted in a subatmospheric pressure.
 39. The process of claim 31, wherein the reaction is conducted in a supra-atmospheric pressure.
 40. The process of claim 31, wherein the complex is immobilized on a support.
 41. The process of claim 20, wherein the dehydrogenatively silylated product contains two or more terminal silyl groups derived from component (b). 